Out-of-favour winger Christian Pulisic has said he is finding life “tough” at Chelsea having already lost his place in the team.
The 21-year-old American impressed during pre-season and started three of the first four Premier League matches.
But his only appearance since the home draw against Sheffield United came as part of a much-changed team in the 7-1 midweek Carabao Cup thrashing of Grimsby.
The £58m summer signing from German side Borussia Dortmund told Pro Soccer Talk: “I want to play as many minutes as I can, that is really my goal, I want to be on the field.
“It is tough for me right now. I just have to continue to learn. I want to be on the field really bad. I have to continue to work and prove myself.”
Blues boss Frank Lampard has preferred the experienced duo of Willian and Pedro in recent weeks, and now also has the option of fit-again teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Pulisic said Lampard has told him to “keep working hard” and “improve in training” to get back in the line-up.
“It is never going to be easy,” Pulisic added. “I’ve got to grind out. I want to be back and be a part of the team and help the team win games.”
Chelsea, who beat Brighton 2-0 for their first home win of the season on Saturday, travel to face Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday, before a trip to face Southampton in the league on Sunday.